Arsenal close on Aleksandr Kokorin; Benfica in talks for Grimaldo

Arsenal close on Aleksandr Kokorin

Russian daily newspaper Izvestia has learned that Arsenal are stepping up their efforts to sign Dynamo Moscow star Aleksandr Kokorin.

With several star players currently sidelined through injury, the Gunners are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements and they appear to have reignited the interest in their long-term target.

Namely, with Kokorin’s current contract due to expire at the end of the season, Dynamo have no choice but to sell in January and they would reportedly settle for €6 million.

Izvestia claims that the two clubs are currently in talks over the transfer fee, and an agreement could be reached soon.

Aleksandr Kokorin has been one of Russia’s leading players for several years now and he has 50 goals and 26 assists in 201 appearances for Dynamo.

His suitors Arsenal resume their Premier League campaign at Aston Villa and they can be backed at 8/15 to emerge victorious.

Benfica in talks for Grimaldo

Radio Catalunya has learned that Benfica are negotiating a deal with Barcelona for full-back Alejandro Grimaldo.

The 20-year-old is widely regarded as one of club’s hottest prospects, but his current deal is due to expire at the end of the season.

And with the talented footballer unlikely to sign a contract extension, the Catalans have no choice but to cash in on his services in January.

According to Radio Catalunya, Benfica have submitted a €1 million proposal for the youngster’s services.

The two clubs are currently negotiating a transfer fee and everything suggests an agreement will be reached in the coming weeks.

At the same time, Argentine newspaper El Dia claims that the Eagles are also hot on the trail of Estudiantes starlet Leonardo Jara.

St Etienne eyeing Alexander Soderlund

Norway striker Alexander Soderlund has emerged as one of the primary targets for Ligue 1 high flyers Saint Etienne, according to beIN Sports.

Les Verts are desperate to sign a replacement for Robert Beric, with the Slovenian forward set to miss the remainder of the season through injury.

According to the latest reports, Saint Etienne have two footballers on their radar as they look to reinforce their front line.

Cesena star Milan Djuric is one of the names on their hit-list, with the Bosnian showing a great deal of promise while playing for his national team in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Norway striker Alexander Soderlund is also being linked with a move to Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, following another successful season at Rosenborg.

The 28-year-old bagged 22 goals to help the Norwegian giants secure the league title, albeit failing to impress in the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

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